Zverev Reaches Vienna Open Semi-Final
Alexander Zverev beat Arthur Fery 6-0, 6-2 in 58 minutes to reach the Vienna Open semi-final on Friday, ahead of becoming world number one for the first time. The German top seed lost only six points on serve in Vienna, and he will face Australia’s Alex de Minaur for a place in the final.
Fery, who had received treatment for a leg problem near the end of his last-16 win over Lorenzo Musetti on Thursday, struggled to challenge the German from the first game. Zverev created nine break points and converted five, while Fery won only two games in the whole match. The win was a rematch of their Wimbledon semi-final earlier this year, which Zverev also won in straight sets.
How Zverev beat Fery in Vienna
Zverev praised Fery’s tactical ability and his progress in a debut season on the ATP Tour, despite the one-sided score. “I think Arthur is a bit of a different opponent than I had yesterday. He doesn’t have the same firepower, but he plays tactically extremely well,” Zverev said.
“I know the score was 6-0 6-2, but he should not put himself down too much. It is his first year on the Tour and he is doing amazing things,” he added.
Fery had produced another strong run to the quarter-finals by beating former world number five Musetti. However, the 24-year-old Briton looked hindered throughout against Zverev, and the German took full advantage. Zverev, 29, is aiming for another title this season as he prepares to return to the summit of men’s tennis.
The result also underlined how far Zverev has come in Vienna this week. Feature Pakistan reported that Zverev sealed the maiden world number one spot in Vienna, after his win over Tallon Griekspoor guaranteed the rise. Earlier in the tournament, Alcaraz and Zverev won through at the Vienna Open, when Zverev survived four match points against Martin Landaluce. His win over Fery was far more comfortable than either of those matches.
What the Vienna Open semi-final means for the rankings
Zverev will replace Jannik Sinner at the top when the new PIF ATP Rankings are released on Monday, 2 November. It will be his first time as world number one, and it caps a season in which he has won 65 matches and lost 14, reaching a tour-leading 12 semi-finals.
He is also a former champion in Vienna, having won the title in 2021, and this is his third semi-final at the Austrian ATP 500 event. In the other semi-final, Spanish second seed Carlos Alcaraz faces Russian third seed Daniil Medvedev, so the final could pair Zverev with either man.
For Fery, the defeat ends a breakthrough week, but the manner of it should not hide the progress. He beat a former world number five to reach the last eight, and he reached a Wimbledon semi-final earlier this year. Zverev’s own words after the match recognised that record, and Fery will leave Vienna with his ranking and reputation both improved.
Meanwhile, the semi-final against De Minaur will test a different part of Zverev’s game. De Minaur, the fifth seed, covers the court superbly and forces opponents to win points twice. Zverev will need the same serving form he showed against Fery, when he gave up so little on his own delivery, to keep the Australian under pressure.
Frequently asked questions
What was the score when Zverev beat Fery in Vienna?
Zverev won 6-0, 6-2 in 58 minutes in the Vienna Open quarter-final on Friday, 30 October. He lost only six points on serve and converted five of nine break points.
Who does Zverev face in the Vienna Open semi-final?
He faces Australia’s Alex de Minaur, the fifth seed, for a place in the final. Carlos Alcaraz plays Daniil Medvedev in the other semi-final.
When does Zverev become world number one?
He will become world number one for the first time when the new PIF ATP Rankings are released on Monday, 2 November, replacing Jannik Sinner at the top. His rise was guaranteed by his earlier win over Tallon Griekspoor in Vienna.
How did Arthur Fery reach the Vienna quarter-finals?
Fery beat former world number five Lorenzo Musetti in the last 16, despite needing treatment for a leg problem near the end of that match. He also reached the Wimbledon semi-final earlier this year, where Zverev beat him in straight sets.
